Get your bathing suit and towel — Planet Splash and Play is opening this Saturday. At Willard Road and Route 28 in Chantilly, it will be open for its first full season; hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.
Saturday's gala grand opening will feature a deejay from Hot 99.5 FM radio. Besides music, he'll also bring give-aways, and Planet Splash and Play will offer some super freebies of its own. It will give away 20 family season passes to the waterpark; each is worth $219.
The waterpark features a lazy river, wild wave pool, and kiddie water wonderland with water toys and slides. But the coolest thing of all is the Master Blaster water coaster — a fast water-ride for thrill seekers.
Each rider experiences the coaster on a double-occupancy tube as jets of water push them to a splash landing into the lazy river. (Riders under 48 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult).
There are also beach areas with large umbrellas for relaxing. Indoors, there's a full concession area with hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, French fries, chips, ice cream and slushies. And new this year is outdoor ice-cream vending, plus an outdoor barbecue. Planet Spash and Play will also hold special events, barbecuing chicken and pork, for family and corporate events.
"We're very excited about our first full season," said spokeswoman Megan Lanterman. "We're under new management, and it's a completely clean and redone facility. We have wonderful staff members and have hired 58 lifeguards, so far, for the waterpark."
The waterpark also features new, lower rates. Adults are now $12.95; children are $9.95. Planet Splash and Play is also currently running some waterpark, season-pass specials. Family passes, regularly $359, are now $219; individual passes, regularly $99, are now $59. Family-pass holders receive a 20-percent discount on all other activities and parties there, too.
Also new this year are swim lessons and water-exercise programs for all ages and levels; call 703-378-6600 for information. Planet Splash and Play also plans a big, July 4th weekend bash — complete with a carnival, live band, deejay and lots of fun-filled and discounted activities. The waterpark will be open full-time until Labor Day, remaining open weekends through September.